This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
On Wednesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta hosted the finalists' gala of the 93rd Kenya Music Festival at State House, Nakuru, where he announced plans to increase funding for the performing arts.
"My government will continue supporting national music festivals as they develop talent, promote the preservation and appreciation of the diverse Kenyan cultures, foster unity, cohesion and integration in the country and beyond," President Kenyatta said.
The President emphasized the significance of the performing arts in education, stating that "music and the arts are no longer secondary to education... performing arts are now part of our education system and part of the curriculum like mathematics and English."
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha added that the event provided a platform for learners to identify and nurture talent, in line with the competence-based curriculum reform initiative.
During the event, the best teams from the 10-day National Music Festival thrilled guests, with 30 finalists entertaining the President at State House, Nakuru. The mass choir, comprising participants from Thika School for the Visually Impaired, Embu TTC, Eldoret National Polytechnic, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and backed by Ghetto Classics Orchestra, presented 'Tushangilie Kenya', a patriotic song by top music composer Thomas Wesonga.
President Kenyatta also presented trophies to the overall winner, Kitui Teachers Training College, and other winners, including St Paul Erusui Girls, Starehe Boys Centre, and Mtomondoni Primary School.
